Instant analysis of Chargers selecting RB Justin Jackson

The Chargers running game showed significant improvement after the additions of offensive tackle Russell Okung and offensive guard Dan Feeney in 2017. The second-round selection in last year’s draft, OG Forrest Lamp, was out for the season after tearing his ACL in training camp but is expected to be healthy for the beginning of the 2018 season and they shored up the center position with Mike Pouncey.

Though running back Austin Ekeler performed better than expected and Melvin Gordon had his best year yet, adding a third ball carrier was a need and the selection of former Northwestern RB Justin Jackson to cap off the draft did just that.

One of the most overlooked backs in this class, Jackson served as a model of consistency for the Wildcats, rushing for an average of 1,360 yards per year in four seasons. He is tough as nails and can make plays as a receiver so the versatility is there for Los Angeles’ backfield.